Words of Wisdom

Week 24 

A HOUSE IS BLESSED



2 Samuel 6:1-11 ( NRSV )

David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 
David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. 
They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart 
with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. 
David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. 
The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. 
David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. 
David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?" 
So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 
The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.

 

 

FOCUS

Lut us focus on Obed-Edom the Gittite. Who is he? What is his claim to fame? What great act or daring feat has he performed? What has he done in his neighbourhood, to be celebrated? Absolutely nothing of note. He is an ordinary citizen, minding his own business. He has a family and he takes good care of them. But today, he receives a blessing as never before. Listen to what is taking place around him.


The ark of God is being returned to Jerusalem, on a new cart that is being guided by sons of Abinadad. King David is part of the celebrating party. But when the oxen, pulling the cart, stumble and one of the men take hold of the ark, he is struck down by God for his irreverent actions. David becomes both angry and afraid and refuses to take the ark of God any further. What does he do? He takes the ark off its course, and  takes it to the house of Obed-Edom.  The ark of God is left there.
Does this man have any say in the matter?

 

FACTS

Let us look at a few pertinent questions.

  1. Was Obed-Edom prepared for Israel's most sacred, powerful and revered Holy Ark of God?
  2. Was a special place built for the ark of God?
  3. Was Obed-Edom praying day and night for the ark of God to be placed in his house?
  4. Was there any dialogue between himself and King David, regarding the acceptance of the ark of God, in his house?

The answer to all these questions, is a emphatic NO!


The place in Obed-Edom's house where the ark was placed, was no prepared place, no planned place, no precious place. For three months, the ark remained in his household and this is what happened.

     "The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months and the Lord blessed him and his entire household."  ( verse 11) 


FREEDOM

Just think of this again. This very sacred human - made ark, this holy ark is now in the house of an ordinary family. Be assured that this is no special family. It is not the most worthy, nor saintly family, yet God chooses to shower abundant blessings on every single one in that family.


Do you see you and your family as not deserving of God's bounty? Then know this!  A house was blessed, not by virtue of any deserving act, but because of God's free mercy to bless whomsoever He wishes. Never underestimate the grace and mercy of God.